Olympus VN-6500PC, VN-5500PC, VN-3500PC - Digital Voice Recorder Manual

1. Lightly press down on the arrow and slide the battery cover open.
2. Insert two size-AAA alkaline batteries, observing the correct polarity.
3. Close the battery cover completely.
   • When the HOLD switch is set to the direction of the arrow, the display is turned off after [HOLD] is displayed. Follow the next step without regard to it.

An optional Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery (BR401) from Olympus can be used for the recorder.

• To replace the battery, make sure that you set the HOLD switch to the opposite direction of the arrow before replacing.

Power Supply

Power on: Slide the HOLD switch in the direction opposite that indicated by the arrow.
Power off: Slide the HOLD switch in the direction indicated by the arrow while the recorder is not in operation.
Standby Mode and Display Shut Off:
If the recorder is stopped for 5 minutes or longer during recording or playing, it goes into Standby (power-save) mode, and the display shuts off. To exit Standby mode and turn on the display, press any button.

Hold

Setting the HOLD switch to the direction of the arrow holds the current status, and all button operations are disabled. Remember to release the HOLD switch to use the recorder.

Setting Time and Date [Time & Date]

If you have set the time and date, information as to when a sound file was recorded is stored automatically with that file.

When you install batteries for the first time or each time you replace the batteries, the "Month" indication will flash. In such a case, be sure to set the time and date by following steps through described below.

1. Press and hold the DISP/MENU button for 1 second or longer to go to the main menu.
   

2. Press the REC () button to start recording.
   • The record/play indicator light turns red, and recording starts.
   • If you start recording after inserting the earphone into the earphone jack on the recorder, you can hear the sound being recorded. The sound volume on the recording monitor can be adjusted by pressing the + or – button.
   2. Current recording mode
   3. Current file number
   4. Recording time
   5. Remaining recording time
   6. Recording level meter

   
   

   3. Press the STOP () button to stop recording.
      New recordings are saved as the last file in the folder.
      

   To Pause Recording

   To Pause:
   While the recorder is during recording mode, press the REC () button. [Rec Pause] appears on the display.

   To Resume Recording:
   Press the REC () button again.
   Recording will resume at the point of interruption.
   
   

   LCD Display Information

   You can select an option for the display of the recorder. This will help review and confirm different recorder settings and file information.

   State of the recorder	Operation	Display
   While in stop mode	Press and hold the STOP () button	While holding the button down, "Remaining recording time" and "Remaining memory" are displayed.
   While in record mode	Press the DISP/ MENU button	Each press switches the display in the order of "Recording elapsed time", "Remaining recording time" and "Recording level meter".
   While in stop mode or playback mode	Press the DISP/ MENU button	Each press switches the display in the order of "Playback elapsed time", "Remaining playback time", "Date of recording" and "Time at recording".

   Playback

   1. Press the FOLDER/INDEX button to select the desired folder.
      

   2. Press the or button to select the file to playback.
      

   3. Press the PLAY/OK () button to start playback.
      The record/play indicator light turns green, and the elapsed playing time is indicated on the display.
      1. Current file number
      2. Playing time
         
         
   4. Press the + or - button to select the proper sound volume
      The display shows the volume level. You can choose between [00] to [30]

   Cancelling Playback

   To Stop:
   Press the STOP () button.
   The recorder stops in the middle of the file being played.
   
   

   To Resume Playback:
   Press the PLAY/OK () button again.
   Playback will resume at the point of interruption.

   Forwarding and Rewinding

   Fast Forward:
   While the recorder is during playback mode, press and hold the button.

   • When you release the button, the recorder will resumenormal playback.
     

   Rewind:
   While the recorder is during playback mode, press and hold the button.
   When you release the button, the recorder will resume normal playback.
   Notes:

   • The recorder pauses when it reaches to the end of the fi le during fast forwarding or fast rewinding. Pressing and holding it continues fast-forwarding or fast-rewinding.
   • If there is an index mark or temp mark in the middle of the fi le, the recorder will stop at that location.

   Locating the Beginning of the File

   While the recorder is during playback mode (playback or playback in slow/fast mode), press the or button.
   Jumps to the beginning of the next file or the file being played back.
   
   

   Note:

   • If there is an index mark or temp mark in the middle of the fi le, the recorder will stop at that location.

   Changing the Playback Speed

   While the recorder is during playback mode, press the PLAY/OK () button to change the playback speed.
   

   Notes:

   • When the slow playback mode is selected, the [] appears and, for the fast playback mode, [] appears on the display.
   • Even if playback is stopped, the changed playback speed will be retained.
   • The next playback will be at that speed.

   How the begin segment repeat playback (For VN-6500PC only)

   1. While the recorder is during playback mode, press the REC () button at the point you want to start segment repeat playback.
      [Repeat End?] flashes on the display.
      
      
   2. Press the REC () button again at the position where you want to end segment repeat playback.

   • The recorder repeateadly plays back the segment until the segment repeat playback is cancelled.
     
     

   Cancel the Segment Repeat Playback Function:

   1. Press the REC () button.
   2. Press the STOP () button.
   3. Press the button.
   4. Press the button.
      

   Erase

   You can easily unnecessary files. Sequential file numbers are reassigned automatically.

   Erasing One File at a Time

   1. Press the FOLDER/INDEX button to select folder
      
   2. Press the or button to select the file to be erased.
      1. File to be erased
   3. Press the ERASE () button.
      
      
   4. Press the button to select [Start].
   5. Press the PLAY/OK () button.
      
      

   Erase All Files from a Folder

   1. Press the FOLDER/INDEX button to select the folder to be erased
      1. Folder to be erased

      
      

   2. Press the ERASE () button twice.
      
      
   3. Press the button to select [Start].
   4. Press the PLAY/OK () button.
      
      

   Notes:

   • An erased fi le cannot be restored.
   • The fi le set to erase lock will not be erased.
   • If operation is not executed for 8 seconds during the setting, it will return to the stop status.
   • Completion of erasing may take several seconds. Do not attempt to remove, replace battery or attempt any other functions on the voice recorder during this period because data may be corrupted.

   Menu mode

   The levels of the menu screen and the operation buttons [Main Menu/Sub Menu]

   The setting can be switched by putting the recorder in menu mode.

   DISP/MENU	Press and hold the button for 1 second or longer to put the recorder in menu mode.	PLAY/OK ()	Go to the setting screen from the main menu or sub menu screen. Confirm the item selected in the setting screen, and go back to the main menu or sub menu screen.
   or	Switch the items of the setting screen in the main menu or sub menu screen.	STOP () or REC ()	Complete the menu mode setting. (If pressed while the setting screen is displayed, the item being selected will not be set.)

   Basic Operation of the Menu Mode

   1. While the recorder is during stop mode, press and hold the DISP/MENU button for 1 second or longer.
      
      
      Guide icon: Tells you the next button to use by flashing.
   2. Press the or to select the menu item.
      Go to setting screen of the selected menu item.
      To set the sub menu, select the [Sub Menu] from the main menu screen. And select and set the menu item from the sub menu screen in the same manner.
      
      
      1. []: Press the PLAY/OK () button (Goes to the next screen).
      2. [ ] or [ ]: Press the or button (Changes the item).
   3. Press the PLAY/OK ()button.
   4. Press the or button to select the setting.
      To go to the main manu screen after the sub menu setting, select [Main Menu] from the sub menu screen.
   5. Press the PLAY/OK () button to confirm the setting.
      
      
   6. Press the STOP () button to close the menu.
      

   Note:

   • The recorder will stop if you leave it idle for 3 minutes during a menu setup operation, when a selected item is not applied.

   Recording Modes [Rec Mode]

   The recording mode can be chosen from [HQ] (high quality sound recording), [SP] (standard recording), and [LP] (long-term recording).

   In Menu mode selection:

   	Mode: HQ	Mode: SP	Mode: LP
   VN-6500PC VN-5500PC	Approx. 35 hours 20 minutes	Approx.69 hours 35 minutes	Approx. 221 hours 30 minutes
   VN-3500PC	Approx. 8 hours 40 minutes	Approx. 17 hours 10 minutes	Approx. 54 hours 40 minutes

   
   

   Notes:

   • The recording time shown above is for one continuous fi le. The available recording time may be shorter than specifi ed if several fi les are recorded (Use the remaining time and recorded time only as references).
   • The above-noted recording times indicate times after deletion of the manual data stored in the recorder.

   Microphone Sensitivity [Mic Sense]

   Microphone sensitivity is adjustable to meet your recording needs.

   In Menu mode selection:

   Sense: Conf. ()

   Sense: Dict. ()

   
   

   Note:

   • To ensure successful recording, make a test recording to select appropriate microphone sensitivity before recording.

   Using the Variable Control Voice Actuator [VCVA]

   When the microphone senses that sound has reached a preset volume, the built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) starts recording automatically, and stops it when the volume drops.
   In Menu mode selection:

   VCVA: Off

   VCVA: On

   Adjust the Start/Stop Actuation Level:

   1. While the recorder is during recording mode, press the or buttons to adjust the pause sound level.
      • The VCVA level can be set to any of 15 different values.
      1. VCVA Level
      2. Start level (moves to the right/left according to the set level)
         

   Note:

   • The record/play indicator light is lit during recording. When the recorder is in Standby mode, the Record/Play indicator light fl ashes and [VCVA] flashes on the display.

   Set the LowCut Filter [LowCut] (For VN-6500PC only)

   The recorder has a LowCut Filter function to minimize low-frequency sounds and record voices more clearly. This function can reduce noise from air conditioners, projectors and other similar noises.
   In Menu mode selection:
   

   LowCut: Off

   LowCut: On

   Set the Voice Filter [Voice] (For VN-6500PC only)

   The recorder has a Voice Filter Function to cut low and high frequency tones during normal, fast, or slow playback, and enable clear audio playback.
   In Menu mode selection:

   Voice: Off

   Voice: On

   Locking Files [Lock]

   Locking a file keeps important data from being accidentally erased. Locked files are not erased when you choose to erase all files from a folder.
   In Menu mode selection:

   Lock: Off

   Lock: On

   System Sounds [Beep]

   Informs a button operation or a wrong operation of the recorder by sound. System sounds may be turned off.
   In Menu mode selection:

   Beep: Off

   Beep: On

   LED [LED]

   You can set it so the Record/Play indicator light does not turn on.
   In Menu mode selection:

   LED: Off

   LED: On

   LCD Contrast Adjustment [Contrast]

   Display contrast can be adjusted in 12 levels.
   In Menu mode selection:
   You can adjust the LCD display contrast level from [01] to [12].
   

   Set the Display Language [Language]

   You can select the display language for this recorder.
   In Menu mode selection:

   Lang.: English
   Lang.: Français
   Idioma: español
   Sprache: Deutsch
   Lingua: Italiano

   Formatting the Recorder [Format]

   If you format the recorder, all files will be removed and all function settings will return to defaults except date and time settings. Transfer any important files to a computer before formatting the recorder.

   1. The Sub Menu opens.
   2. Press the or to select [Format].
   3. Press the PLAY/OK () button.
      • [ ] and [Cancel] flashes alternately.
      
      
   4. Press the button to select [Start].
   5. Press the PLAY/OK () button.
      • After the [Data All Cleared] message is on for 2 seconds, [Sure? Cancel] will turn on.
        
        
   6. Press the button again to select [Start].
   7. Press the PLAY/OK () button.
      • Formatting begins and [Format Done] displays when formatting ends.
        

   Notes:

   • It may take up to a minute to fi nish the initialization. Do not remove the battery or detach the battery compartment from the recorder during that time. Otherwise data may be damaged.
   • Never format the recorder from a PC.
   • When the recorder is formatted, all the stored data, including locked fi les, are erased.

   Viewing System Information [System]

   You can check the recorder's information on the menu screen.
   

   Other Functions

   Index Marks

   If index marks are placed, you can quickly find a location you want to listen to in fast forward and fast rewind and when cuing a file.

   Setting an Index Mark:

   1. While the recorder is during recording (pause recording) or play - back mode, press the FOLDER/INDEX button to set an index mark.
      
      

   Clearing an Index Mark:

   1. Locate the index you want to clear.
   2. Press the or button to select the index mark to delete.
   3. Press the ERASE ( ) button.
      
      

   Notes:

   • Index marks cannot be placed on files created on machines other than Olympus IC recorders, but temp marks can be placed instead to temporarily remember desired locations.
   • Temp marks are temporary markings, so if you move to another file, or connect the recorder to a computer, they will be automatically erased.
   • Up to 16 index and temp marks can be set in a file.
   • Index or temp marks cannot be set or erased in a locked file.

   Connecting to Your PC

   Apart from using this unit as a recorder, you can use it as an external memory for your computer, as a storage device.

   • The audio files recorded by this recorder can be played back on your computer using Windows Media Player. You can also transfer the WMA files downloaded with Windows Media Player to your recorder and enjoy them (excluding files with copyright protection).

   1. Connect the recorder's USB terminal to a PC USB port or USB hub.
      Once [Remote] is displayed, you can save or read the data.

   2. Transfer the audio files to your computer.
      • Connect the recorder to your computer and launch Explorer.
      • The recorder will be recognized as a removable disk.
      • Each of the five folders is named as DSS_FLDA, B, C, D and E. The audio files are saved in these folders.
      • All the audio files recorded by this recorder will be in WMA format.
        i.e.: VN-6500PC: VN_650001.WMA
        VN-5500PC: VN_550001.WMA
        VN-3500PC: VN_350001.WMA
      • If you are using Windows 2000, Windows Media Player must be installed on the PC.

   3. Click [ ] on the task bar located at the lowerright corner of the screen. Click [Safely Remove Hardware].

   Using the recorder on your PC

   Windows	Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista (Standard Installation)
   	Compatible PC's: Windows PC's equipped with more than one free USB port
   Macintosh	Operating System: Mac OS X 10.2.8 ~ 10.5 (Standard Installation)
   	Compatible PC's: Apple Macintosh series equipped with more than one free USB port

   The support service will not cover if your PC has been updated from Windows 95 or 98 to Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Any failure on a self-modified PC will not be covered under the operational warranty.

   Notes:

   • NEVER disconnect the USB while the record/play indicator light is fl ashing in red. If you do so, the data may be destroyed.
   • Refer to the user's manual for your PC regarding the USB port or USB hub on your PC.
   • As the noise may cause adverse eff ects on electronics devices nearby the recorder, unplug the earphone when you connect the recorder to a PC.
   • Do not use USB connecting cables other than the supplied cable.

   General Precautions

   Read this manual carefully to ensure that you know how to operate it safely and correctly. Keep this manual in an easily accessible location for future reference.

   • The warning symbols indicate important safety related informa tion. To protect yourself and others from personal injury or damage to property, it is essential that you always read the warnings and information provided.

   Warning regarding data loss:

   • Recorded content in memory may be destroyed or erased by operating mistakes, unit malfunction, or during repair work.
   • For important recorded content, we recommend you to write it down somewhere or make a back-up by downloading to a PC.
   • Any liability for passive damages or damage of any kind occurred due to data loss incurred by a defect of the product, repair performed by the third party other than Olympus or an Olympus authorized service station, or any other reasons is excluded from Olympus's liability.

   For safe and correct Usage

   • Use your earphones only after sufficiently reducing the volume of the earphones, otherwise hearing impairment and/or hearing disorders may occur.
   • Do not use your earphone at a high volume for an extended period of time as hearing impairment and/or hearing disorders may occur.
   • Be sure to stop the recorder before replacing the batteries. Unloading the batteries while the recorder is in use may corrupt the file.
   • Do not leave the recorder in hot, humid locations such as inside a closed automobile under direct sunlight or on the beach in the summer.
   • Do not store the recorder in places exposed to excessive moisture or dust.
   • Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol and lacquer thinner to clean the unit.
   • Do not place the recorder on top of or near electric appliances such as TVs or refrigerators.
   • Avoid recording or playing back near cellular phones or other wireless equipment, as they may cause interference and noise. If you experience noise, move to another place, or move the recorder further away from such equipment. Avoid sand or dirt. These can cause irreparable damage.
   • Avoid strong vibrations or shocks.
   • Do not disassemble, repair or modify the unit yourself.
   • Do not operate the unit while operating a vehicle (such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or gocart).
   • Keep the unit out of the reach of children.

   Battery
   

   • Under no circumstances insert any other parts than the main unit into the battery compartment. This may result in battery leakage, overheating, fire or explosion.
   • Battery should never be exposed to flame, heated, short-circuited or disassembled.
   • Do not attempt to recharge alkaline, lithium or any other non-rechargeable battery.
   • Never use any battery with a torn or cracked outer cover.
   • Keep battery out of the reach of children.
   • If you notice anything unusual when using this product such as abnormal noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:

   1. remove the battery immediately while being careful not to burn yourself, and;
   2. call your dealer or local Olympus representative for servicing.

   Troubleshooting

   Q1: Nothing happens when a button is pressed.
   A1: The HOLD switch may be set to [HOLD] position. The batteries may be depleted. The batteries may be inserted incorrectly.
   Q2: No sound or quiet sound is heard from the speaker while playing back.
   A2: The earphone plug may be plugged into the recorder. The volume may be set to the minimum level.
   Q3: Recording is not possible.
   A3: By pressing the STOP () button repeatedly while the recorder stops, check if the display shows:

   • The remaining recording time in the selected folder may have reached [00:00].
   • The number of files is 200.
     Check if the display shows [Memory Full] by pressing the REC () button.

   Q4: The playback speed is too fast (slow).
   A4: The recorder may be set to fast (slow) Playback.

   Specifications

   Recording medium:
   Built-in flash memory
   Overall frequency: VN-6500PC, VN-5500PC:
   HQ mode: 200 to 13,000 Hz
   SQ mode: 200 to 7,000 Hz
   LP mode: 200 to 3,000 Hz
   VN-3500PC: HQ mode: 200 to 13,000 Hz
   SQ mode: 200 to 7,000 Hz
   LP mode: 200 to 3,000 Hz
   Recording time:
   VN-6500PC, VN-5500PC: 512 MB
   HQ mode: Approx. 35 hours 20 minutes
   SP mode: Approx. 69 hours 35 minutes
   LP mode: Approx. 221 hours 30 minutes
   VN-3500PC: 128 MB
   HQ mode: Approx. 8 hours 40 minutes
   SP mode: Approx. 17 hours 10 minutes
   LP mode: Approx. 54 hours 40 minutes
   Microphone:
   Electret Condenser Microphone (monaural)
   Speaker:
   Built-in ø 23 mm round dynamic speaker
   Maximum power:
   250 mW
   Maximun headphone output:
   ≤ − 150 mV (according to EN 50332-2)
   Wide band characteristic headphone output:
   75 mV ≤ − (according to EN 50332-2)
   Earphone jack (monaural):
   ø 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 8 Ω
   Microphone jack (monaural):
   ø 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 2 kΩ
   Power supply:
   Two AAA (LR03) batteries or Two Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
   Continuous battery:
   Alkaline batteries: Approx. 37 hours Ni-MH rechargeable batteries: Approx. 25 hours
   Dimensions:
   102 (L) mm x 37 (W) mm x 18.8 (T) mm (without protrusions)
   Weight:
   64.8 g (including battery)

   • The above-noted recording times indicate times after deletion of the manual data stored in the recorder.
   • The manual data can be deleted by connecting to a computer and deleting or by formatting the recorder. For details, please see "Formatting the Recorder [Format]".
   • Before deleting the data, please make a backup fi le of the PDF data of the manual.
   • Battery life is measured by Olympus. It varies greatly according to the type of batteries used and the conditions of use.
   • Your recorded contents are for your personal use or pleasure only. It is prohibited to record copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holders according to copyright law.
   • Specifi cations and design are subject to change without notice for improvement of performance.

   Accessories (Optional):

   Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Charger:
   BU-400 (Europe only)
   Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery:
   BR401
   Connecting cord (Earphone jack ↔ Microphone jack): KA333
   Noise-Cancellation microphone: ME52
   Electret condenser microphone: ME15
   Dual monaural earphone: E20
   Telephone pickup: TP7
   Neck Strap: ST26